Adnan Habib, 10, and four-year-old Arsalaan were killed when the car they were in – also a Ford Focus – crashed on the M6.

In a statement today, their family said: "Adnan and Arsalaan were our family's precious jewels, spreading joy wherever they went. They were happy and joyous boys who were a central part of the family, always smiling and bringing smiles to everyone they met."

Their aunt, Bushra Tazarib, 32, also died in the crash which happened close to junction 15, near Stoke-on-Trent, at about 11.25am.

Two other women were travelling in the car, including the boys' mother, who was driving at the time of the crash. Both were taken to hospital but discharged on Boxing Day after treatment.